Overview
This lecture reviews the ten largest slave owners in American history, highlighting their backgrounds, the scale of their slaveholdings, and notable historical details about their plantations and actions.
Top Slave Owners in America
- Joshua John Ward (South Carolina) owned about 2,000 slaves, known as "King of the Rice Planters."
- Steven Duncan (Mississippi/Louisiana) also owned around 2,000 slaves, was wealthy from cotton plantations, banking, and railroads; his main property was the Antabellum Mansion.
- Wade Hampton (South Carolina) had about 1,000 slaves, owned cotton and rice plantations, and fathered a Confederate general.
- John Burnside (Louisiana) owned over 850 slaves, operated the Humas House sugar plantation, and profited from sugarcane.
- Thomas F. McCoy (Louisiana) owned about 600 slaves, managed sugar plantations, and kept detailed records used by historians today.
- Pierce Butler (Georgia) possessed over 500 slaves, inherited multiple plantations through marriage, and was infamous for "the weeping time," America's largest slave auction.
- John Threlkeld (Washington, DC) owned over 400 slaves on land near present-day Georgetown University and sold slaves to pay debts.
- Bennett H. Barrow (Louisiana) held over 400 slaves on multiple cotton plantations and was known for cruel punishment, documented in his journals.
- George Washington (Virginia), first US president, owned over 300 slaves at Mount Vernon, freeing some only after his death.
- James Madison (Virginia), fourth US president, owned about 100 slaves at Montpelier, never freed any enslaved people during or after his life, and posted rewards for recapturing runaways.
Notable Plantations and Events
- Antabellum Mansion: Main estate of Steven Duncan, maintained for tours today.
- Hampton-Preston House: Wade Hampton’s plantation, still toured.
- Humas House Plantation: John Burnside's grand sugar plantation, tours available.
- The Weeping Time: Largest slave auction in US history, associated with Pierce Butler.
- Georgetown University's lands were formerly John Threlkeld's plantations.
- Mount Vernon and Montpelier: Plantations of George Washington and James Madison, open for tours.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Plantation — Large agricultural estate, often specializing in cash crops and relying on enslaved labor.
- The Weeping Time — The largest slave auction in US history, where over 400 people were sold in two days.
- Slave Auction — Public sale where enslaved people were sold to the highest bidder.
- Antabellum — Refers to the period before the American Civil War, especially in the South.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize the names and details of the top ten American slave owners for exam preparation.
- Reflect on the historical impact of slavery in the US, especially the involvement of prominent figures.
- (If assigned) Read further on the "Weeping Time" and the connection between major universities and slavery.